TDN December 2024 Newsletter by tolowadeeni

DEE-NI' NUU-WEE-YA'

NEE-SAN-NAA-XEE-CH'AA-TA NUM-NII~-MA~S (DECEMBER) 2024 - Volume 31, Issue 12

Council signs historic Inter-Tribal Treaty

Tribes vow to manage, protect and restore Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area

Three Federally recognized California Tribal Nations – Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, and CherAe Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria – signed an inter-tribal treaty of stewardship and responsibility Friday, November 22, 2024, to collaborate on management, protection, and restoration of the Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni' Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area (IMSA).

The treaty follows last year’s declaration and creation of the IMSA by the three Tribal Nations, the first-ever marine protected area designated by Tribal governments in the United States.

The IMSA stretches from the OregonCalifornia border to just south of Trinidad in Humboldt County. It directly helps the state of California to achieve its biodiversity and durable conservation goals by 2030. The IMSA is home to species of high cultural value to the Tribal nations including mussels, seaweed, kelp, clams, abalone, surf and night smelts, salmon, candlefish, green sturgeon, shorebirds and eels (or lamprey).

In signing the treaty, the three Tribes agree to collaborate in efforts to protect a portion of their ancestral ocean and coastal territories, co-manage critical ecosystems, support cultural lifeways and economies, and address climate impacts. The IMSA aims to safeguard an area under threat by poor water quality, ocean

acidification, species and habitat loss, offshore development, and other climate crisis impacts affecting the health of their communities.

“Together, we will endeavor to protect and restore the biodiversity, water quality, and natural habitats within the IMSA, ensuring the sustainability of our

traditional practices and the resilience of our communities,” said Tolowa Dee-ni' Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson. “By this treaty, we reaffirm our sovereignty, and the sacred responsibility bestowed upon us at Creation to be stewards of this world.”

See Treaty, Page 15

HONORING OUR PAST • SERVING OUR TRIBAL FAMILY

Tribal Council leaders: Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Chairperson Jeri Thompson and Vice Chair Scott Sullivan; Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People Chairperson Fawn C. Murphy and Vice Chair Moonchay Dowd; Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria Vice Chair Robert Hemsted and Chairperson Garth Sundberg.

Public Works in Action

Rain or shine, the Nation's Public Works Department's crew has been working on multiple projects this fall and winter.

On Nov. 20, crews were dispatched throughout the community to clear debris from roads and drainage systems, and cut and remove fallen trees following a major storm.

Earlier that month, staff was busy cutting and and splitting logs to create a healthy supply of free firewood for elders. Staff has also been using heavy equipment to remove unwanted brush in the area of Howonquet Hall for safety and security reasons. Vegetation was removed near the horseshoe pits in October, and

near the bluff overlooking the Naa-set (beach) in November.

The Public Works Department plans to use a newly acquired used tractor in 2025 to rid Tribal property of the invasive weed tansy ragwort, as well as cut hay grown on Tolowa land.

PW employee Lance Lopez splits rounds to make firewood that will be given to elders.

PW employee Frank Ault splits a tree round into pieces. Noah Ferrer uses a chainsaw to remove limbs from a fallen tree during a November storm.

PW employee Arturo Salazar fills and grades a gravel road at the Gilbert Creek facility.

All Tribal Council: council@tolowa-nsn.gov

Chairperson, Jeri Lynn Thompson (707)951-3875, jeri.thompson@tolowa-nsn.gov

Vice Chair, Scott D. Sullivan (707)954-6127, scott.sullivan@tolowa-nsn.gov

Secretary, Debbie Boardman (707)951-0966, dboardman@tolowa-nsn.gov

Treasurer, Jaytuk Steinruck (707)954-5971, jaytuk.steinruck@tolowa-nsn.gov

Council Member, Dr. Joseph Giovannetti (707)218-6569, joseph.giovannetti@tolowa-nsn.gov

Council Member, Amanda O’Connell (707)954-5271, amanda.oconnell@tolowa-nsn.gov

Council Member, Dorothy Wait (707)218-7346, dwait@tolowa-nsn.gov

Executive Director, Troy Ralstin (707)487-9255, ext. 1220, troy.ralstin@tolowa.com

Assistant Executive Director, Thomas Metz (707)487-9255, ext. 1229, thomas.metz@tolowa.com

Administrative Services Director, Emily Reed (707)487-9255 , ext. 1182, emily.reed@tolowa.com

Chief Financial Officer, Jose Tercilla (707)487-9255, ext. 1115, jose.tercilla@tolowa.com

Community & Family Wellness Director, Teela James (707)487-9255, ext. 1139, teela.james@tolowa.com

Community Development Director, Tim Hoone (707)487-9255, ext. 1230, tim.hoone@tolowa.com

Education Director, Sheryl Steinruck (707)487-9255, ext. 1173, sheryl.steinruck@tolowa.com

Enrollment & Elections, Angel Escobar 707-487-9255, ext. 1181, angel.escobar@tolowa.com

Housing Manager, Jeri Robertson (707)487-9255, ext. 1605, jeri.robertson@tolowa.com

Human Resources Director, Jeff Davis (707)487-9255, ext. 1213, jeff.davis@tolowa.com

Natural Resources Director, Rachel McCain (707)487-3233, rachel.mccain@tolowa.com

Records Manager, Staci Barr 707-487-9255, ext.1180, staci.barr@tolowa.com

Self-Governance Officer, Darrel Aubrey 707-487-9255, ext.1159, darrel.aubrey@tolowa-nsn.gov

Tribal Court Administrator, Elsie Petrie 707-487-9255, ext. 1162, elsie.petrie@tolowa.com

Tribal Employment Rights Officer, Brian Millett (707)487-9255, ext. 1222, brian.millett@tolowa.com

Tribal Heritage Preservation Office, Cynthia Ford (707)487-9255, ext. 1174, cynthia.ford@tolowa.com

Xii-chuu-dvn Sri'-lhxvn (Happy Solstice)

HOLIDAY HOURS

All Tribal Offices will close at noon Dec. 24 and all day Dec. 25. Offices will also be closed all day on Jan. 1, 2025, for New Year's Day

DAY MIN'-NE'

707-487-9255. Tribal Citizen named dean of new college

Nee-san-naa-xee-ch'aa-ta Num-nii~-ma~S (December) 2024 Tribal Government Newsletter published by the Dee-ni' Nation, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567. Website: www.tolowa-nsn.gov. Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation or their Staff. The Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation reserves the right to use their discretion in the information they publish. As per the Tribal Council of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, no article shall be published or acknowledged in the tribal newsletter that does not promote and protect the best interests of the Nation. Contact

TDN citizen is dean of new college

Annette Reed to lead Native American College at Sac State TRIBAL NEWS

Dr. Annette Reed, a member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, has been tapped to serve as first dean of the Sacramento State Native American College—a new university initiative aimed at advancing Native-based education and creating pathways for academic and professional service.

Reed said the Native American College will offer a range of programs that integrate academic excellence with tribal values, traditions, and community engagement. The program will provide students with the necessary academic, professional, tribally centered, community-focused, culturally based skills to become successful leaders.

“It’s a first initiative of its kind to serve Native and Indigenous students,” Wood said. “We’re not establishing a program or a center, this is a college that is designed for those interested in learning more about Native life, history and culture and is led by a powerful leader and respected educator in our Native community. We want to serve as the place where Native students want to come and study and learn and grow in an environment that is intentionally designed to serve them.”

University President Luke Wood announced the creation of Sacramento State Native American College, the first of its kind in California, offering students an inclusive, Native-based education that fosters connections to community and tribal government.

“We’re not establishing a program or a center, this is a college that is designed for those interested in learning more about Native life, history and culture and is led by a powerful leader and respected educator in our Native community,” said Wood.

He and Reed made the announcement Nov. 8 in the state Capitol’s Assembly chamber. They were joined by Assembly Member James Ramos, the first California

Sacramento State President Luke Wood, third from left, and new Native American College Dean of Students Annette Reed, center, stand with other University and local tribal leaders at the state Capitol on Nov. 8, where Wood announced the new college's creation.

Native American elected to the state Legislature; Jesus Tarango, chairman of Wilton Rancheria; and CSU Board of Trustees

Chair Jack B. Clark Jr.

Members of several Sacramento-area tribes sang and danced in celebration of California Indian Cultural Education Day.

“They were there supporting California Indian Cultural Education Day and paving the way for this transformative announcement,” Wood said. “I expect that, through this initiative, we will have the largest population of Native students in all of California.”

Ramos emphasized the importance of the new college.

“This new Sacramento State Native American College is a testament to the power of education in preserving and uplift-

ing our tribal nations,” said Ramos, who is a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla Tribe.

“It’s inspiring to see a university take such bold action to provide culturally relevant opportunities for Native students while building bridges between academia and tribal communities. I commend Sacramento State for setting a precedent that I hope others will follow.”

Reed addressed the children who were sitting at legislators’ desks.

“Each of you have superpowers,” she said. “Part of your superpowers could be education, and part of your superpowers can be knowing your Native culture. I’m really happy to see you. I’m looking forward to seeing you one day at Sacramento State, hopefully, or any other college you

Photo: Sacramento State/Christian Navarro

New law helps Tribes manage lands TRIBAL NEWS

On California Native American Day, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 1284, which requires the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to collaborate with the state’s federally-recognized tribes to share responsibility, decision making and partnership in the management of resources and conservation of ancestral lands.

Assembly Bill 1284, authored by Assembly Member James Ramos, passed unanimously in both chambers of the California Legislature on Sept. 27.

Since time immemorial, Tribal Nations have taken care of ancestral lands and waters to maintain a healthy environment and provide for food, medicine, ceremony, and other customary uses. Tribal leaders have remained steadfast in their continued advocacy for policies that honor and

College

want to go to.”

The first cohort of Sacramento State Native American College students will enroll for the Fall 2025 semester. The new college will offer a diverse range of programs that integrate academic excellence with tribal values, traditions and community engagement.

reflect this unique relationship between Native people and the environment.

The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People sponsored the bill. The two Tribes are founding members of the Tribal Marine Stewards Network, a collaboration of five Tribes that support ocean and coastal stewardship, cultural practice, and stewardship education.

“The success of AB 1284 is a victory for all tribal nations in California,” said Jeri Lynn Thompson, chairperson of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. “It paves the way for more equitable partnerships with the state in managing our natural resources. It ushers in a new era of collaboration that respects tribal sovereignty and our deep connection to the land and waters.”

“California’s federally-recognized tribes have the knowledge and expertise to

co-manage lands and waters in their ancestral territories,” said Fawn C. Murphy, Chairperson of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, “Now more than ever, we need tribal co-management if we are going to help the state reach its 30×30 goals and combat a changing climate.”

Future co-governance and co-management agreements encouraged by AB 1284 will build even stronger partnerships between Tribal Nations and the Resources Agency, including shared decision-making and ensuring that culturally specific practices will continue. It is the hope of the Pulikla Tribe and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation that the law provides a clear pathway for the state to work with the designating Tribes in co-managing the Yurok-TolowaDee-ni’ Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area.

“I really look forward to focusing on educating and training young leaders so our tribal communities can be even more successful than they are now,” Reed said. “We are going to keep connected with our Native communities, and they are going to be an integral part of this college.”

She added, “We’re hopeful that this will spur other colleges and universities to go beyond the usual and lean into supporting Native communities.”

Interested students can apply for the Sacramento State Native American College after being accepted into Sac State through CSU’s general application process. The college is open to firstyear or transfer students, as well as students beginning their

junior year. All students will minor in Native American Studies, with an emphasis on Native American Leadership, and can pursue any major the University offers.

The Sacramento State Native American College will provide career and leadership-focused activities and training in addition to student support services. Student support services will be accessible through the Sacramento State Native American College and provide a more fluid pathway through the University. Each student will have a faculty mentor, and all students will collaborate with their peers through the cohort model, which is designed to create support systems with the potential to become lifetime networks and resources.

Reed said students will have Native American faculty mentors as well.

“This will prepare the next generation of leaders,” she said.

In accordance with state policy, the college is open to students of all races and backgrounds who are interested in learning about Native life, history, and culture.

PETITIONER'S ELECTION

Three apply for TDN membership

The Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council has approved three candidates for the January 18, 2025, Petitioner's Election: Richard Lewman, Teresa Thompson and Margaret Wall.

As required, each candidate has submitted a campaign statement (300 words, no photo), which is published in this edition for Tribal Citizens to review.

Requirements for voting

1.You must be enrolled. Enrolled means being accepted by the Enrollment Committee, approved by an action of Tribal Council and placed on the Membership List.

2.You must be 18 years of age by the voter registration deadline. You can still register after the registration deadline but you will not be able to vote until the next election.

3.To register to vote, fill out a request for Affidavit of Registration, return to the Voter Registrar. You only need to register once. Your signature on the official ballot is VERIFIED with your signature on file with the records department. We require an updated signature every three years. If your signature on your absentee ballot doesn’t match what is on file, the Election Board can make the decision to void the ballot.

The Voter Registration form is available at the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Office and on the website for new voters.

Please mail, fax or email the form to: Attention Election Board, 12801 Mouth of Smith River Road, Smith River CA 95567

Official Ballot return envelopes will be addressed to a P.O. Box at Smith River Post Office for security purposes. For more information, contact the Voter Registrar at 707-487-9255, ext. 1181 or email angel.escobar@tolowa.com.

PETITIONER'S ELECTION

Important

Election

Dates

Dec. 30, 2024

Voter Registration closes

Jan. 18, 2025, 2025

Election Day - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Xaa-wan'-k'wvt Hall

Community Center (XHCC)

101 Indian Court, Smith River, CA

PETITIONER'S ELECTION

Enrollment and Elections Division

The Nation's Enrollment and Elections Office is responsible for conducting elections under the direction of the Election Board as needed. It is also responsible for distributing and receiving enrollment applications, issuing tribal IDs, keeping all enrollment files up to date, and maintaining an address database of all Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal citizens, while maintaining confidentiality.

Elections

The Election Ordinance is promulgated pursuant to authority expressed within the Constitution of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. It is intended to define fair and uniform procedures for voter registration, qualification, and participation in the electoral and petition processes in accordance with the Constitution of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation.

Enrollment

The Enrollment Ordinance was established to define and regulate membership with the Tolowa Deeni' Nation in accordance with the Constitution. And to establish fair and uniform enrollment procedures that afford due process of the laws to all persons applying for enrollment.

This Enrollment Ordinance formally establishes an Enrollment Committee and directs Tribal Council. The Tribal Council bears the responsibility for assuring compliance with the Tribal Constitution and Enrollment Ordinance.

UIHS NEWS

Da'-ye' Ghes-na' Family Wellness Project

In efforts to reduce violence in tribal communities, UIHS has implemented the Da’-ye’ Ghes-na’ Family Wellness Project throughout both Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. By promoting the elimination of violence, families can live in a healthy environment, and we can provide opportunities for our families to protect their children and preserve tribal futures. We have recognized that tribal families deserve to live a life free of violence.

The Da’-ye’ Ghes-na’ Family Wellness Project will work with clients and communities, children, youth, adults and their families who have been exposed to or are victims of domestic violence,

sexual assault, dating violence and family violence. Participants will receive assistance, support, care, information, and education from project staff that empowers them to make informed decisions in their personal lives that assist them in their healing journey.

We can assist any person that is a client of United Indian Health Services. Clients are entitled to the following services to assist them in escaping existing or potentially violent home environments. Services may be provided following an individual assessment of the situation, and on a case-by-case basis. Available Services are:

•Help creating a safety plan

•Assistance with finding emergency shelter

•Referring clients to available resources

•Being a confidential ear for you

•Assisting with protective orders

•Assisting with transportation

•Childcare assistance

•Job assistance

•Basic toiletries

•Accompanying clients to court

•Accompanying clients to law enforcement interviews

For information call Elidia Adams-Loya, UIHS's Health Promotion and Education Supervisor, at 707-464-2919 or email elidia. adams-loya@uihs.org.

TRIBAL NEWS Achievements and milestones

Academic success

Congratulations to Lucy Reynolds, an 11-year-old sixth grade student at Brookings’ Azalea Middle School, who achieved “Exceptional Honors” status by maintaining a 4.0 grade point average for the first quarter of the 2024-25 school year. Lucy is the daughter of Billy Reynolds, granddaughter of Patsy Reynolds, and niece of Shelly Reynolds.

“Lucy your entire family would like to congratulate you on this big achievement. We love you!”

Mvlh-yaa-'islh-ghelh See-ghvlh

Hair ties and hair wraps

making time

Submitted by Mattie Bommelyn and Marva Sii-xuutesna Jones

We just completed our late summer and early fall time of creative expression with hair ties and hair wrap classes. We were honored to share our teachings with our Tribal Citizens, a community we cherish and value. It was a treasured time of self-expression.

This was a two-part project to make a complete complimentary set. Our group picked out their colors, shells, and beads that represent themselves and will be passed down in their family lineage to carry on the good medicine they all created. All participants finished their hair ties and wraps, which will be a part of their regalia in our annual Nee-dash ceremonial practices, a significant time that binds us together.

Sharing the values of our ancestral teachings is a fundamental opportunity to engage ourselves in deliberate and meaningful wellness. Making our ceremonial values a priority gives life to our expressions that reinforce connections to Mother Earth, our ancestors, our community, our responsibilities, our heritage, and ourselves. Uplifing our sacredness is a tool that benefits our sustainability. Elevating our sacredness is vital for sustaining the essential aspects of living a healthy and grounded life. It's within these crucial aspects that we find balance.

Back row (l to r): Swele Lopez, Taylor Bommelyn, Neela Travis, Juliet Kessler, Cadence Travis, Summer Kessler. Front (l to r): Eva Thompson-Upton, Lilly Phillippi, Sadie Mouser, Tee-me' Reed, Diane Richards Hall, Carlie Mouser. Far right: Davina Dillard. Not pictured: Teexeeshe' Jones-Scott

Applications sought for new Gaming Commission

Tribal and non-Tribal citizens are encouraged to apply for the Nation’s newly created Tribal Gaming Commission that oversees all Class II and Class III gaming activities on the Nation’s Indian lands in accordance with the gaming code.

The three commissioner positions, appointed by the Tribal Council, consist of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and an associate commissioner. The commission will generally meet formally at least once a month.

Candidates shall be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. citizen. Preference will be given to enrolled Tribal Citizens. Candidates shall be knowledgeable in areas of finance, accounting, management, legal, business, governmental regulation, Tribal policy, law, public administration, gaming operations, management and regulation.

Appointed candidates will be required to undergo an extensive background check and are subject to the Nation’s drug and alcohol policy.

Please note: No gaming commissioner candidates may be employed in the management of the Nation’s Gaming Facility or be an elected official of the Nation, nor be employed in the Gaming Operating, be a gaming contractor, or be directly related to or sharing a residence with any of those mention above.

Applications can be found on the website or at the Tribal Headquarters, or send an email to recording.secretary@tolowa.com.

Treaty

Continued from Page 1

“We take our stewardship responsibilities very seriously and are honored to sign this historic Inter-Tribal Treaty with other sovereign Tribal Governments,” said Fawn C. Murphy, Chairperson of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People.

“Tribal Nations have always taken care of our ocean and coastal territories.

Signing this treaty today demonstrates our leadership and our commitment to governing the IMSA in a way that protects tribal culture and restores ocean health.”

“As sovereign Tribal Nations, we have never ceded or given up our rights to steward, manage, access, and rely upon our ancestral ocean and coastal territories. We continue to assert these unceded rights and practice these responsibilities.

“The signing of the IMSA Treaty marks a milestone in our shared journey to protect and restore our ocean and coastal territories that hold deep meaning and value for our people,” said Garth Sundberg, Chairperson of the CherAe Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria. “We came together to reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding these waters and lands not only for today but for the generations to come.”

The three Tribal nations acknowledge the need to have direct participation in how their waters and lands are managed, as well as the future of their cultural resources and traditions associated with these sacred places as the climate crisis accelerates.

The treaty reads, in part:

ABOVE: A Tribal Council member adds his signature to the official treaty during the Nov. 22 signing ceremony.

RIGHT: A room of 60-plus people witness the treaty signing ceremony at The Heights Casino in Trinidad.

“We, the sovereign nations of Yurok and Tolowa Dee-ni' peoples, envision a future where the Yurok-Tolowa Deeni' IMSA thrives in harmony with our cultural lifeways and our InterTribal partnerships foster a legacy of sustainability and continuity that will endure for generations to come.”

The treaty includes mutual covenants to:

• Respect and support each other’s sovereignty and management of their ocean and territories;

• Communicate and where appropriate, collaborate broadly on policy, governance, and management based on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, research and monitoring;

• Develop, adopt and participate in an InterTribal IMSA Advisory Council to guide communication and facilitate collaborative approaches and decision-making.

The Tribes also acknowledge that there are other Tribal Nations who share this ocean space and have welcomed those Tribes to participate at any time in the future.

scott.graves@tolowa.com Call 707- 487-9255, ext. 1183

Deadline is Jan. 3, 2025

NA'SR-DVTLH-NVSH-DVN

New Employees Employee of the month

Sarah Wentz Program Coordinator CCDF

Sarah is a hard worker and makes extra efforts to help others and her clients. She always has a smile and tries to make everyone feel included.

Above & Beyond

Enrollment and Election Coordinator Angel Escobar, left, receives from Administrative Services Director Emily Reed the "Above & Beyond" certificate recognizing her efforts to help others.

Janine Hodson

Community Family & Wellness

As a Social Worker II, Janine will assist clients in understanding the causes of their problems and work with them to modify and change attitudes and behavior. She will assist families and individuals in developing case plans to address safety issues and to correct problems that create substantial risk factors. When necessary, she may initiate court action to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Janine's previous experience is mainly in behavioral health (25 years), although she has experience in domestic violence and foster care. She previously worked in Springfield and Eugene, Oregon, as a Qualified Mental Health Associate for a nonprofit. She moved back to California and began work with developmentally disabled adults, and then on to the County Mental Health where she did crisis intervention, case management and psychiatric facilitation for mental health appointments.

Roman Worthey Natural Resources

As the Food Sovereignty Program Coordinator, Roman is responsible for the coordination of the Nation’s Food Sovereignty Program (including land and water food sovereignty). His position requires knowledge of Tolowa traditional foods, agricultural practices, food recovery, traditional land management practices, traditional food procurement and processing, and environmental education.

Roman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental studies from the University of Oregon. He previously worked for the city of Brookings, taking care of parks, and worked as a park ranger at Oregon's Harris Beach State Park.

As a part of his graduation program/ internship at University of Oregon, he volunteered with their Environmental Leadership program, partnering with the U.S. Forest service to provide environmental education to local middle school students in Lane County, Oregon.

She is currently learning about the Indian Child Welfare Act so she can appropriately apply it to her current position.

"I am passionate about helping others," she said. "I also love our area for all of it’s natural beauty—the elk, rivers, ocean, and the redwoods. I graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Sociology, but I also learned to love and respect the environment."

He also educated youth on Climate Science and Climate Justice related issues in H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the Cascade Mountain range.

"With my new position within TDN I will be a part of workshops and educational programs to reintroduce traditional food processing and diet back to the community," he said. "My prior experience with environmental education should pair well with the direction of our Food Sovereignty program."